The Artist…

Mr. Leroy Neal (Master Barber)

                   “The Artist”

 McKoy’s Barbershop

3635 Edmondson Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21229

410-362-2455

RYG: When did you start your barber career?

LN: I started in 1965

RYG: Did you have to attend a barber school?

LN: Yes, I went to Carver Vocational School and only paid $2.00 for my license. I went to evening classes for only 3 hours a week.

RYG: How much did you charge for a haircut?

LN: I started working at the Talents Barbershop on West Longwood Street and we charged $.75 for children and $1.50 for adults. I worked there for 6 years.

RYG: What was the funniest thing ever happened in the shop?

LN: I had an alcohol problem –got to the shop one morning and wanted a drink but my client came in early. Well, I started cutting his hair; my hands started shaking while I was giving him a razor line and he said, “If I get out of here alive, I’m never coming back”. I stopped barbering that day!

RYG: How long did you stay out of the industry?

LN: For 18 ½ years.

RYG: What were you doing in those 18 ½ years?

LN:  I stopped drinking and started working for Allied Chemicals until they closed in 1986. Then, I went back to school to enhance my cutting skills for different types of hair textures.

RYG: Where did you work after returning to the industry?

LN: I was so proficient in my skills that my instructor at the time; referred me to the Naval Academy were I have been working since 1986 until today. I have also been working part-time at Mckoy’s Barbershop for 21 years.

RYG: How do you feel about the industry now?

LN: Many of the new barbers don’t have the same standards we had back when I started. Some have the education but lack skills, personality, and professionalism.  I would love to see the new barbers take pride in themselves and their work.

MOTTO: Take your time and do it right the first time.